The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the knockout stage, with the Round of 16 beginning on Saturday, July 4. After an expanded tournament featuring 48 teams, only 16 nations remain in contention for football’s biggest prize.
The knockout phase follows a dramatic Round of 32 that produced penalty shootouts, late goals, and several major upsets. Consequently, every remaining match will be a winner-takes-all contest, with victorious teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
Round of 16 Teams Confirmed
Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan were among the biggest teams eliminated before the Round of 16. Meanwhile, co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States remain in the tournament alongside traditional contenders Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Portugal, and Spain.
The qualified teams are Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England, Belgium, the United States, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Egypt, Argentina, and Colombia.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups advanced automatically to the knockout stage. Additionally, the eight best third-place finishers also secured places in the Round of 16.
Round of 16 Match Schedule
Canada will face Morocco at Houston Stadium on Saturday to open the knockout stage. Later that day, Paraguay will meet France at Philadelphia Stadium.
On Sunday, Brazil will play Norway at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Meanwhile, Mexico will take on England at Mexico City Stadium.
Monday features one of the biggest fixtures as Portugal face Spain at Dallas Stadium. Later, the United States will meet Belgium at Seattle Stadium.
The Round of 16 concludes on Tuesday when Argentina play Egypt at Atlanta Stadium. Switzerland will then face Colombia at BC Place in Vancouver to complete the quarterfinal lineup.
